Biomechanical, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Adaptations of Bats and the Case of the Small Community of Bats in Chile

摘要: Bats are unique among mammals for their ability to fly. The acquisition of powered flight required a series morphological and physiological changes in the basic mammal body plan. structure limbs is most obvious specialization, however, adaptations encompass organ systems, particular cardiovascular respiratory apparatus. Flight performance strongly determined by wing morphology, which turn associated with biomechanics energetics flight, as well ecological aspects such foraging behavior habitat selection. In this chapter we focus on respiratory, cardiac morphology characteristics some bat species present Chile, correlating results behavioral information. small community Chilean shows pattern similar that found other communities. With respect Tadarida brasiliensis, Desmodus rotundus Mormopterus kalinowskii have areas, while molossids high aspect ratios D. only moderate. has smaller mass specific span, highest loading. Myotis chiloensis second moment area humerus (Ih), lower than expected from allometric predictions, suggesting poorer resistance. Based these four functional groups may be recognized: i) loading low span rotundus, capable rapid moderate power consumption, ii) ratio, T. brasiliensis M. kalinowski, fast characteristic foragers open areas; iii) vespertilionids, slow maneuverable flights inhabits wooded iv) L. cinereus, forming an isolated group characterized speed agility. Also systems bats modifications or refinements allow them survive extreme way life. lung volumes about 72% greater non-flying same size. Pulmonary ventilation can rapidly increase 10 17 times begins. These adaptations, along